Elizabeth Ghiorso

Experience

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  California State University, Chico

  Aug 2008 - Jan 2011

  Peer Educator - Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center

  Acted as student liaison between executive leadership at California Sate University, Chico and the student population in the area of drug and alcohol abuse prevention and safety. Designed and implemented programs to increase awareness of safe drinking behavior and promote safety among university students. Planned curriculum and taught university-sanctioned classes for dorm residents cited for drinking or drug use. Participate in the university's Town and Gown committee to help bolster positive relationships between the university and residents of Chico, Calif. Show less

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  The Butte College Roadrunner

  Aug 2008 - Dec 2008

  Staff Writer/ Copy Editor

  The Roadrunner is the student newspaper at Butte College. Wrote for the entertainment section with a focus on film. Edited stories for AP style, spelling and grammar.

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  The Orion

  Apr 2009 - Dec 2009

  Chief Copy Editor

  Worked as part of a newsroom producing an award-winning weekly print and online newspaper for the students, faculty and staff of California State University, Chico. Managed a staff of 10 copyeditors and advised all newspaper staff regarding style, grammar, flow and story structure. Made final edits and acted as final quality control for all content both print and online.

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  Burney Disposal, Inc.

  Jan 2011 - Oct 2021

  Managing Partner, Director of Communications and Human Resources

  Work in conjunction with senior management and legal council to write, procure and manage contracts with county, state and corporate entities.Inform and advise management and senior leadership on trends and upcoming changes in legislation that affect operations, safety protocols, human resources policy, etc. Act as de facto Operations Manager, working with senior leadership on reporting, route optimization, asset maintenance, program implementation, vendor relations, contracts, fleet management, P&L, etc.Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with community representatives and leaders including those representing county, state and federal entities.Work alongside insurance providers to develop and implement comprehensive safety and risk management programs and training protocols while strategically managing Burney Disposal's risk and exposure.Lead an injury and accident free workplace from 2015-2021 achieving a commendation from MMT Insurance Services for an extremely low experience mod based on industry data.All human resources duties including employee benefits management, on boarding, retention, performance, safety program management and reporting.Manage and facilitate all public relations, advertising, philanthropy and community outreach including media purchasing and social media management.Design and oversee production of all internal communication, advertising, promotion and community education materials.Create outreach programs for local children to address risks associated with operations in local neighborhoods and maintain positive community relationships and image. Organize large-scale community events such as Intermountain Earth Week 2018, a community-wide work event. Coach executive staff, management and employees on effective internal and external communication strategies. Act as corporate secretary, conferring with attorney on matters of corporate minutes, shareholders and board of directors duties and best practices. Show less

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  Tehama Group Communications

  Jan 2011 - Jun 2011

  Account Executive

  Chosen to perform a coveted leadership position at the premier student-run public relations agency at California State University, Chico.Lead a team of writers, photographers, videographers designers and editors to produce an interactive PDF newsletter, event invitations and advertising materials for the College of Communication and Education at California State University, Chico. Designed public relations, branding and social media strategies for Caminar of Butte County's Sensible Cyclery program, which provides housing and job training for people with disabilities. Show less

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  Summit Disposal, Inc.

  Apr 2019 - Oct 2021

  Co-Owner

  Summit Disposal, Inc. was founded in 2019 to serve the City of Mount Shasta and its surrounding areas with proactive waste removal and recycling solutions. The company was founded by Tom and Gwen Ghiorso in association with Elizabeth Tyler -- all executive management of Burney Disposal, Inc -- serving North Eastern Shasta County since 1977. The City of Mt. Shasta approached the Burney Disposal, Inc. team in March 2019 proposing a rapid take over of the city's refuse and recycling operations. The outgoing provider was not meeting the needs of the city and had proposed an unreasonable rate increase with no willingness to negotiate. BDI was asked to provide service and relief to residents and to complete a proposal and install services with just 30 days of lead time. The Burney Disposal, Inc. staff met and exceeded expectations, installing a functional team including new routing, local fleet and container storage, staff, and maintenance solutions well within the 30 day time frame. The initial overhaul was followed immediately by installing residential waste carts to all citizens within the city limits. Show less

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  City of New Braunfels, TX

  Aug 2022 - now

  Solid Waste Manager

  Oversee the Solid Waste and Recycling Division for the rapidly expanding City of New Braunfels, TX. Manage administrative associates and forepersons for residential, commercial, recycling, and special services operational divisions. Oversee the management of all operators, collectors, and special services staff. Collaborate with and advise the assistant director of public works, director of public works, and city management to determine appropriate process improvements to meet growing complexities within the division including: organizational structure, asset management and optimization, route optimization, fleet management, onboard technology, internal record keeping, relationships with local utility billing partners, customer care, staff (placement, compensation, and safety), process improvements, advertising, special events, rate studies, software updates, public education, and public relations. Collaborate regularly with contacts throughout the nationwide solid waste community to ensure New Braunfels is leading the way in consideration of best practices, industry trends, and emerging innovations. Collaborate daily with leaders of City departments including Human Resources/Risk Management, Communications, IT, Facilities, Finance, and Fleet to solve emerging problems and strategize to meet short-term and long-term goals.Build morale and bolster retention among all staff and work to unify siloed team members and operational divisions. Work with individuals to empower leaders, develop skillsets, refine soft skills, and grow natural talents for the betterment of the division, the City, and our residents. Assist in customer service functions as needed. Show less